chiropractic FAQS

How can chiropractic care help me? Does it only treat back pain?

Chiropractors assess the function of all joints in the body including the back and neck but also the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles and the jaw.

What are the benefits of chiropractic treatments?

Chiropractic treatments can help you to function better as well as feel better. Whether it be relieving back pain so you can return to playing golf on the weekends, optimizing muscle function to get you ahead of the competition in your chosen sport, or increasing mobility and function for daily life, there can be benefits for everyone.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

A wide variety of conditions and issues can be treated with chiropractic care. Most commonly these include:
Back pain, neck pain, headache, whiplash, strains and sprains from daily activities, repetitive strain injuries, work and sports related injuries, arthritis, restricted movement in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs.

What is an adjustment? Is it safe?

Doctors of Chiropractic first and foremost ensure that your nervous system is functioning at its best by removing obstructions like misalignments of the spine. To do this they use a chiropractic adjustment. Adjustments can range from a classic dynamic thrust with the hands to very gentle force through the joint. Using specific force in the correct direction through the joint can change the position and motion of that joint. Over time the adjustments help to correct abnormal structural issues, however the longer the issue has been around the longer it can take for structural issues to fully correct. Adjustments are extremely safe in the hands of a qualified chiropractor and actually carry much less risk than pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.

What techniques are offered at this clinic?

Our chiropractors utilize a number of techniques in what is considered chiropractic practice. These may include Applied Kinesiology, Cranio-Sacral techniques, Diversified Adjusting and mobilizations as well as various soft-tissue techniques to ensure you are receiving a well rounded treatment. Our chiropractors utilizes safe and effective procedures that are suitable for each patient’s age, condition, and comfort levels.

Will I have to have my neck adjusted?

No, our chiropractors at East Meets West will never ask you to do something that you are not comfortable with. There are different options available aside from the traditional neck adjustments that can be just as effective for helping with neck misalignments including mobilizations, soft tissue work, stretching and light cranial work.

What can I expect from my first treatment?

Your first visit will include a discussion about the history of your complaints, a thorough physical examination, report of findings and treatment if it is determined that the condition is something chiropractic care can help with.

How long is a treatment? How will I feel afterwards?

Your first treatment will be an hour. Follow up treatments are 20 minutes long.
How you feel afterwards differs from person to person. Some people experience an immediate decrease in their symptoms while others may experience a mild increase in soreness due to the fact that the joints and muscles have been dysfunctional for some time. This usually goes away in a few days.

How often do I need to get a treatment?

This will be determined in the treatment plan discussed with you at the first visit and will depend on the condition and how long it has been around. A typical course of treatment is once or twice a week for a few weeks in a row. The amount and frequency of treatments will decrease as you continue to heal.

Will I have to keep going to a Chiropractor for the rest of my life?

This is a common question, and this will be up to you in the long run. Some patients elect to just come in for acute care or patch-up care; others decide they want to take a wellness approach where they return on a regular basis even when they aren’t in pain. Many problems in the spine and body have been a problem for a while. Some may even originate at birth so permanent correction can be difficult to achieve. When these problems are long-standing they can result in muscle damage, ligament instability and scar tissue, making relapses more likely to occur. To try to prevent or minimize the severity of relapses many patients like to take a supportive care approach (like brushing your teeth) but, again, like going to the dentist, the amount of chiropractic care you decide to utilize is up to you.

Do I need a prescription or referral from my medical doctor in order to see a chiropractor?

No, Chiropractic doctor are licensed primary health care practitioners so you do not need a referral to see them.

Do I need to get an x-ray?

Although some chiropractors require an x-ray before they treat any patient due to the treatment methods that they use, our chiropractors do not require an x-ray. If the doctor is concerned about an underlying boney issue that warrants an x-ray they will refer out for one to ensure that you are receiving the best care possible.

What age groups can be treated?

Chiropractic care is great for any and every age.

Are chiropractic treatments safe for pregnant women? What benefits would a pregnant patient see?

Yes, chiropractic treatments are safe for both mom and the baby. All chiropractors are trained to specifically treat pregnant women. Chiropractors aim to ensure that the pelvis and spine are balanced and functioning properly. If the pelvis is unbalanced it can cause stress on the uterus affecting infant positioning during the pregnancy and delivery. In addition, an pelvic imbalance can decrease the size of the birth canal leading to more difficult delivery. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is both a safe and effective way to support the natural birthing process.

Are chiropractic treatments safe for infants and children? Why should I have my infant or child assessed?

Yes! Chiropractors specializing in the care of children use very specific, gentle techniques to treat infants and children.

In regards to assessment and treatment, the sooner the better. Birth is a traumatic event on an infant no matter how easy the delivery. It is best to bring your child in as soon as you are comfortable. The chiropractor will ensure that the nervous system and spine are functioning at their best to allow for optimal growth and development. Also, infants and small children are not always able to express that they are in pain so it is good to bring them in for regular check-ups every 3-6 months.